Is AstraZeneca stock a buy right now?
As of April 30, 2025, AstraZeneca (AZN) trades near $71.71 with an average daily trading volume exceeding 7 million shares, signaling steady investor engagement in the Canadian and global markets. Despite modest pressure with a minor dip in the last session, AstraZeneca continues to demonstrate strong operational momentum: its Q1 2025 report delivered a 10% revenue surge alongside double-digit profit and earnings-per-share growth. Particularly constructive for investors, the company has recently tallied five positive Phase III trial results and secured 13 regulatory approvals across major regions. These developments underscore AstraZeneca’s scientific leadership and sustained pipeline productivity, reinforcing confidence even amid sector-wide pricing pressures and ongoing Chinese regulatory investigations—challenges broadly seen as manageable for a company with such geographic and product diversification. In the constantly evolving healthcare sector, AstraZeneca stands out for its robust oncology franchise and forward-looking investments in cell therapy and artificial intelligence, providing significant long-term growth potential. Consensus gathered from over 32 national and international banks places the target price for AstraZeneca at $93.22, reflecting widespread belief in the company’s ability to capture further value as the pharma sector pursues innovation-driven expansion.
- Consistent double-digit growth in revenue and core earnings per share in Q1 2025.
- Extensive oncology portfolio driving majority of revenue and cash flow forecasts.
- Diverse global footprint reduces reliance on any single market or therapy area.
- Robust R&D pipeline with multiple recent positive Phase III trial readouts.
- Low beta (0.40) indicates relative stability in volatile market environments.
- Ongoing pricing pressures in the respiratory segment could temper margin expansion.
- Current investigations in China may cause short-term regulatory uncertainty.
- What is AstraZeneca?
- How much is AstraZeneca stock?
- Our full analysis on AstraZeneca </b>stock
- How to buy AstraZeneca stock in Canada?
- Our 7 tips for buying AstraZeneca stock
- The latest news about AstraZeneca
- FAQ
Why trust HelloSafe?
At HelloSafe, our expert has been monitoring AstraZeneca's performance for over three years. Every month, hundreds of thousands of Canadians rely on us to interpret market trends and highlight the top investment opportunities. Our analysis is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice. In line with our ethical charter, we have never been—and will never be—compensated by AstraZeneca.
What is AstraZeneca?
| Indicator | Value | Analysis |
|---|---|---|
| 🏳️ Nationality | United Kingdom | Headquartered in Cambridge, AstraZeneca is a leading British pharmaceutical company. |
| 💼 Market | London, NASDAQ | Shares trade on LSE (AZN) and NASDAQ, offering good accessibility for Canadian investors. |
| 🏛️ ISIN code | GB0009895292 | Unique code ensures standardized identification for international share trading. |
| 👤 CEO | Pascal Soriot | Soriot has steered AstraZeneca through significant innovation and expansion since 2012. |
| 🏢 Market cap | ~$221.7 billion USD | AstraZeneca ranks among the world's largest pharmaceutical companies, indicating financial strength. |
| 📈 Revenue | $13.59 billion (Q1 2025) | Revenue grew 10% year-over-year, driven by oncology and biopharma portfolios. |
| 💹 EBITDA | Not specified* | Not reported directly, but rising core operating profit suggests improving operational efficiency. |
| 📊 P/E Ratio (Price/Earnings) | 28.74 (TTM); 15.89 (Forward) | High TTM P/E shows a growth premium; forward P/E implies expected earnings improvement. |
Important information
Latest EBITDA not disclosed in Q1 2025; core operating profit rose 12%.
How much is AstraZeneca stock?
The price of AstraZeneca stock is declining this week. As of now, AstraZeneca (AZN) is trading at $71.71 USD, representing a 24-hour decrease of 0.29% and a weekly dip overall. The company holds a market capitalization of approximately $221.7 billion, with an average three-month trading volume of about 5.5 million shares.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| P/E Ratio | 28.74 |
| Dividend Yield | 2.17% |
| Stock Beta | 0.40 |
AstraZeneca features a stock beta of 0.40, indicating relatively low volatility. This stability, paired with consistent dividends, may appeal to Canadian investors seeking reliable exposure to the global healthcare sector.
Compare the best brokers in Canada!Compare brokersOur full analysis on AstraZeneca stock
Having rigorously reviewed AstraZeneca’s latest quarterly results and assessed the share’s evolution over the last three years, our independent methodology—combining key financial ratios, advanced technical parameters, multi-source market intelligence, and competitive benchmarks—paints an illuminating picture of the company’s current positioning. Integrating these diverse insights through proprietary algorithms, we seek to identify where genuine opportunities for value accretion may exist in the healthcare and biopharma space. So, why might AstraZeneca stock once again become a strategic entry point into the global healthcare innovation sector in 2025?
Recent Performance and Market Context
AstraZeneca (NASDAQ: AZN; LSE: AZN), trading at USD $71.71 as of April 30, 2025, represents one of the world’s leading biopharmaceutical powerhouses—with a remarkable footprint spanning over 100 countries. Over the past three years, the stock has demonstrated notable resilience and adaptability. Despite a 1-year performance of -5.77%, AstraZeneca shares are up 9.1% year-to-date, signaling a pronounced shift in sentiment and momentum as the company moves past a period of sector-wide consolidation and regulatory headwinds.
Notably, the Q1 2025 earnings delivery demonstrated persistent double-digit growth (+10% revenue, +12% operating profit, +21% core EPS), underscoring AstraZeneca’s continued success in scaling its oncology and biopharmaceuticals franchises. These robust results prompt new confidence at a time when global healthcare spending is rebounding, and major economies—including Canada—are emphasizing innovation-driven drug development and diversified supply chains.
Recent positive events are contributing to renewed market optimism: multiple high-impact Phase III trial readouts, strategic M&A activity bolstering future revenues, record approvals across key therapeutic areas, and progressive advances in cell therapy and AI-driven R&D. These long-term drivers, amid a favorable macroeconomic context with stable interest rates and sustained global demand for innovative treatments, have positioned AstraZeneca as a decisive sector outperformer ready for its next upcycle.
Technical Analysis
Technical indicators reveal a nuanced but constructive setup. While the 14-day RSI hovers at 56.76 (neutral, but not overbought), and the MACD trend reflects transient weakness (-0.68), the current price stands above the 5-day (69.85), 20-day (68.52), and 100-day (69.92) simple moving averages—clear short- and medium-term bullish signals. Both long-term moving averages (50-day at 72.61 and 200-day at 72.86) remain overhead, offering potential break-out triggers as momentum builds.
The ADX (28.10) signals a strengthening trend, while CCI (82.04) and Williams %R (-3.23) suggest the current pullback has created attractive entry territory, particularly for swing and position traders monitoring contraction-expansion dynamics. Support levels at $70.09 and $69.37 have repeatedly contained recent volatility, suggesting robust buying activity beneath the surface. Upside resistances at $70.65, $71.37, and $71.93 could act as launchpads for the next bullish phase, especially if upcoming catalyst events align with market expectations.
In summary, despite some mixed technical readings, the aggregate setup appears skewed toward a bullish reversal. The stock’s ability to hold key support levels—coupled with early signals of renewed short-term momentum—suggests the potential for positive re-rating.
Fundamental Analysis
From a fundamental perspective, AstraZeneca’s growth narrative stands out within healthcare equities. Q1 2025 figures—notably a $13.6 billion revenue (+10% y/y) and 21% increase in EPS—underscore not just resilience, but accelerating operating leverage. Strategic revenue diversification remains a key pillar:
- Oncology (40% of revenues): Flagship therapies (Tagrisso, Imfinzi, Calquence, Enhertu, Lynparza) drive robust, recurring cashflows, underpinned by clinical leadership and expanded indications.
- Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism (25%) and Rare Diseases (17%): Growth led by Farxiga, Ultomiris, and Soliris, supporting both margin stability and product lifecycle extension.
- Respiratory & Immunology (15%): Established products (Symbicort, Fasenra, Tezspire) offer high barriers to entry and sticky prescriber loyalty.
Valuation remains attractive relative to sector peers: forward P/E at 15.9 and current P/E at 28.7 signal a blend of growth and value rarely found in blue-chip pharma, with the added benefit of a sustainable 2.17% dividend yield. The stock’s beta (0.40) highlights defensive characteristics versus broader market swings—a key attribute in uncertain macro regimes.
What truly distinguishes AstraZeneca is its R&D productivity and relentless innovation. Recent major late-stage pipeline successes and approvals—across multiple drug platforms—attest to the company’s strategic agility, while its compelling balance and high cash conversion enable ongoing reinvestment in breakthrough science.
Volume and Liquidity
Sustained trading volumes in recent months reflect deep institutional conviction and ongoing liquidity. As one of the most actively traded, large-cap ADRs on NASDAQ and a constituent of London’s FTSE indices, AZN consistently offers ample float and tight bid-ask spreads—facilitating both tactical and strategic positioning.
This healthy liquidity profile supports a dynamic valuation environment, allowing for swift absorption of new market-moving information and minimizing slippage for larger allocations. In the Canadian context, robust cross-border trading infrastructure and TSX/NYSE-linked market access further underscore AstraZeneca’s appeal for diversified international portfolios.
Catalysts and Positive Outlook
The outlook for AstraZeneca is especially promising given the density of near- and long-term bullish catalysts:
- Late-Stage Pipeline Momentum: Five positive Phase III study readouts since January 2025, including key programs in breast cancer (DESTINY-Breast09), endocrine therapy (SERENA-6), and immunotherapy (MATTERHORN), set the stage for future blockbuster launches.
- Strategic Acquisitions & Partnerships: Recent takeovers (FibroGen China, EsoBiotec) and collaborations (Alteogen, Harbour BioMed) are rapidly expanding the company’s cell therapy, antibody engineering, and geographic reach—enhancing both top-line prospects and competitive moat.
- Regulatory and Commercial Approvals: With 13 major regional drug approvals in Q1-Q2 2025 alone, AstraZeneca is demonstrating an exceptional ability to deliver innovation to market at scale.
- Manufacturing Expansion: Major investments in US and Asian manufacturing footprints, plus a flagship R&D center in Beijing, strategically future-proof the supply chain for advanced biologics and rare treatments.
- ESG and Digital Transformation: Leadership in net zero targets and integration of AI within drug discovery workflows position AstraZeneca at the vanguard of future-ready pharma.
Furthermore, the macro backdrop remains constructive: healthcare innovation is a clear policy imperative in both the US and Canada, while demographic aging and increasing global demand for specialty medicines support multi-year secular growth.
Investment Strategies
Given these strengths, AstraZeneca presents compelling positioning options across multiple timeframes:
- Short-Term: Momentum traders may target swing entries near current support ($70.09–$69.37), seeking upside toward technical resistance bands ($71.37–$71.93) as bullish catalysts materialize.
- Medium-Term: Investors can capitalize on the upcoming pipeline milestones and potential approvals, benefiting from favorable earnings seasonality and the absorption of recent consolidation pressure.
- Long-Term: As a core holding, AstraZeneca justifies renewed attention based on its ambitious $80B revenue target by 2030, sustained dividend policy, and low beta. These attributes support portfolio allocations designed for defensive growth and compounding income.
Ideal positioning may involve staggered accumulation at or just above technical lows, or ahead of anticipated announcements regarding late-stage trial results and partnership expansions.
Is it the Right Time to Buy AstraZeneca?
Synthesizing all elements—robust revenue and EPS growth, an exceptionally diversified and innovative product portfolio, strategic global expansion, positive technical dynamics at key support levels, and a flow of imminent value-creating catalysts—AstraZeneca appears to be entering a new bullish phase.
The current share price, just above critical medium-term support and showing early reversal signs, seems to represent an excellent opportunity to participate in the next leg of growth for this sector leader. The stock’s fundamentals, combined with its dividend profile and relative stability, justify renewed interest on both tactical and strategic horizons.
As AstraZeneca advances from a position of strength—supported by financial discipline, an enviable innovation pipeline, and clear expansion ambitions—there is a strong case for investors to seriously consider this global biopharma powerhouse as a potential outperformer in 2025 and beyond.
In summary, AstraZeneca stands out as a resilient, high-quality stock offering rare alignment between technical promise and fundamental momentum—a timely opportunity for investors seeking exposure to the future of healthcare innovation.
How to buy AstraZeneca stock in Canada?
Buying AstraZeneca stock online is now straightforward, secure, and accessible for Canadian investors thanks to regulated brokers. You can invest in AstraZeneca in two main ways: buying shares outright (spot buying), or trading via Contracts for Difference (CFDs), which allow for leverage and flexible strategies. Both methods can be completed 100% online, with strong protections for your funds. Before you make a decision, it’s essential to compare broker fees and features (see our broker comparison tool further down the page for more details).
Cash buying
Spot buying means purchasing AstraZeneca shares directly on a stock exchange, such as NASDAQ (ticker: AZN). You become the actual shareholder, eligible for dividends and price appreciation. In Canada, most online brokers charge a fixed commission for each order, typically around CAD $5–$10 per trade.
Informations importantes
Example:
Suppose AstraZeneca trades at $71.71 USD (approx. $98 CAD). With a $1,000 CAD investment, after a $5 commission fee, you can buy roughly 10 shares.
Scenario:
If the price rises by 10%, your investment’s value climbs to $1,100 CAD.
Result: +$100 gross gain, or +10% on your investment.
Trading via CFD
CFDs (Contracts for Difference) allow you to speculate on AstraZeneca’s share price movements—up or down—without owning the underlying stock. With CFDs, you can use leverage (typically up to 5:1 for major stocks), meaning you control a larger position with a smaller initial outlay. Fees include the spread (difference between buy and sell price) and, for positions held overnight, financing charges.
Informations importantes
Example:
With $1,000 CAD and 5x leverage, you gain market exposure of $5,000 CAD to AstraZeneca shares.
Scenario:
If AstraZeneca’s share price rises by 8%, your position earns a 40% return (8% × 5 leverage).
Result: +$400 gain on your $1,000 stake (before fees).
Final advice
Before investing, carefully review and compare each broker’s commission structure, spreads, and other trading conditions. The ideal approach—cash buying for long-term growth or CFDs for more dynamic strategies—depends on your investment goals and risk tolerance. Use our detailed broker comparison lower on the page to find the option best suited to your needs.
Our 7 tips for buying AstraZeneca stock
| 📊 Step | 📝 Specific tip for AstraZeneca |
|---|---|
| Analyze the market | Evaluate AstraZeneca’s global presence in oncology and biopharmaceuticals, and assess how recent revenue growth and new product approvals impact long-term demand for its stock. |
| Choose the right trading platform | Use a Canadian brokerage that gives you access to international markets like the NASDAQ and LSE, ensuring competitive forex rates and reasonable commission on AstraZeneca trades. |
| Define your investment budget | Allocate a portion of your portfolio to AstraZeneca, balancing its lower volatility (beta 0.40) and 2.17% dividend yield with other Canadian or US healthcare holdings. |
| Choose a strategy (short or long term) | Consider a long-term buy-and-hold strategy, leveraging AstraZeneca’s strong R&D pipeline, recent acquisitions, and 2030 revenue targets for steady, compounding gains. |
| Monitor news and financial results | Follow quarterly reports, regulatory updates (including developments in China), and major clinical trial outcomes to stay informed of events that could move AstraZeneca’s price. |
| Use risk management tools | Protect your AstraZeneca investments with stop-loss orders or trailing stops, particularly in response to shifting technical indicators or global market conditions. |
| Sell at the right time | Plan your exit by watching technical levels—such as resistance at $71.37 or $71.93—and considering profit-taking before high-impact events or if core pipeline news turns negative. |
The latest news about AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca reported robust Q1 2025 results, highlighting a 10% year-over-year revenue increase and a 21% jump in core EPS. This strong financial performance, driven by double-digit growth in its Oncology and BioPharmaceuticals divisions, reinforces the company's resilience and ongoing momentum. With broad revenue gains across all major geographies, including North America, these results provide assurance to Canadian investors regarding AstraZeneca’s effective global strategy and its ability to deliver stable returns in an uncertain market environment.
Recent approvals and Phase III trial successes strengthen AstraZeneca’s drug pipeline and competitive position. Since the start of 2025, AstraZeneca has achieved five positive Phase III study readouts—including significant developments with Enhertu, camizestrant, and Imfinzi—and secured 13 major regional approvals. Such consistent R&D productivity increases the likelihood of future revenue streams and enhances prospects for growth in oncology and related fields, all of which carries favorable implications for the valuation outlook of the stock in North America.
The company continues to make strategic investments and acquisitions to broaden its therapeutic reach and innovation pipeline. Notable moves include the acquisition of EsoBiotec to develop next-level cell therapies and a partnership with Alteogen Inc. for advanced drug delivery technology. Such transactions underpin AstraZeneca’s commitment to innovation-led growth, ensuring a dynamic product pipeline that attracts investor confidence globally, including in Canada’s robust biotechnology and health sciences sectors.
AstraZeneca’s dividend yield of 2.17% and low beta of 0.40 offer attractive attributes for Canadian income and stability-focused investors. This combination makes AZN particularly compelling for those managing risk in the context of volatile equity markets. The stability of cash flows, together with a track record of ongoing dividend payments and relatively subdued stock volatility, increases its suitability for Canadian institutional portfolios seeking sector diversification and reduced exposure to cyclical swings.
AZN’s products, notably in oncology and respiratory disease, maintain significant commercial presence and regulatory support in the Canadian market. Health Canada continues to approve and reimburse AstraZeneca medications such as Tagrisso, Farxiga, Imfinzi, and Fasenra, which are widely prescribed across the country. The ongoing availability of these innovative therapies both supports public health objectives and secures AstraZeneca’s leading share in critical therapeutic areas important to Canadian patients, thereby underpinning the company’s regional sales and reinforcing the stability of its revenues from Canada.
FAQ
What is the latest dividend for AstraZeneca stock?
AstraZeneca currently pays a dividend, with its most recent annualized yield at 2.17%. The last declared dividend amounted to approximately $1.97 per share, with a payment date in March 2025. The company maintains a stable dividend distribution policy, reflecting its longstanding commitment to rewarding shareholders. Historically, AstraZeneca has increased or maintained its dividend payout even during industry headwinds, which underscores its financial resilience.
What is the forecast for AstraZeneca stock in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on current trends, the projected AstraZeneca share price could reach $93.22 at the end of 2025, $107.57 by the end of 2026, and $143.42 at the end of 2027. These forecasts reflect AstraZeneca’s robust growth prospects, driven by a rich pipeline, recent drug approvals, and the company’s ambitious revenue targets. The global pharmaceutical sector’s ongoing innovation cycle adds additional upward momentum for well-positioned firms like AstraZeneca.
Should I sell my AstraZeneca shares?
Holding AstraZeneca shares may be a prudent long-term strategy given the company's strong fundamentals, diversified revenue streams, and leadership in high-growth areas such as oncology and rare diseases. The stock’s defensive characteristics and low volatility (beta 0.40) offer stability, while its consistent dividend policy provides income potential. AstraZeneca’s clear focus on R&D and strategic expansion suggests solid prospects for future growth, making continued holding appealing for investors with medium- to long-term horizons.
How are AstraZeneca shares taxed in Canada for capital gains and dividends?
For Canadian investors, dividends from AstraZeneca are classified as foreign income and are not eligible for the Canadian dividend tax credit, with a standard 15% UK withholding tax applied (which can often be recovered via tax treaty). Capital gains are taxed at the normal rate: only 50% of realized gains are taxable in Canada. AstraZeneca shares can also be held within RRSP accounts, where foreign dividends may be sheltered from additional Canadian tax, offering a tax-efficient way to invest internationally.
What is the latest dividend for AstraZeneca stock?
AstraZeneca currently pays a dividend, with its most recent annualized yield at 2.17%. The last declared dividend amounted to approximately $1.97 per share, with a payment date in March 2025. The company maintains a stable dividend distribution policy, reflecting its longstanding commitment to rewarding shareholders. Historically, AstraZeneca has increased or maintained its dividend payout even during industry headwinds, which underscores its financial resilience.
What is the forecast for AstraZeneca stock in 2025, 2026, and 2027?
Based on current trends, the projected AstraZeneca share price could reach $93.22 at the end of 2025, $107.57 by the end of 2026, and $143.42 at the end of 2027. These forecasts reflect AstraZeneca’s robust growth prospects, driven by a rich pipeline, recent drug approvals, and the company’s ambitious revenue targets. The global pharmaceutical sector’s ongoing innovation cycle adds additional upward momentum for well-positioned firms like AstraZeneca.
Should I sell my AstraZeneca shares?
Holding AstraZeneca shares may be a prudent long-term strategy given the company's strong fundamentals, diversified revenue streams, and leadership in high-growth areas such as oncology and rare diseases. The stock’s defensive characteristics and low volatility (beta 0.40) offer stability, while its consistent dividend policy provides income potential. AstraZeneca’s clear focus on R&D and strategic expansion suggests solid prospects for future growth, making continued holding appealing for investors with medium- to long-term horizons.
How are AstraZeneca shares taxed in Canada for capital gains and dividends?
For Canadian investors, dividends from AstraZeneca are classified as foreign income and are not eligible for the Canadian dividend tax credit, with a standard 15% UK withholding tax applied (which can often be recovered via tax treaty). Capital gains are taxed at the normal rate: only 50% of realized gains are taxable in Canada. AstraZeneca shares can also be held within RRSP accounts, where foreign dividends may be sheltered from additional Canadian tax, offering a tax-efficient way to invest internationally.
